Sentry Page Protection
Tip Store: Christmas: Wrapping & Sending
Rewards $, Convenience and Original Gift Bags
Each month I do a big online 'Direct to Boot' shop with Woolworths and participate in their Rewards program.
- Neither cost me anything AND
- I love the ease of shopping online whenever it suits me, not trekking the aisles, buying only what I need and having someone place the shopping in my car boot for me.
This year I took advantage of Rewards point offers,
- saved $250, AND
- chose to use it in December to buy the majority of our Christmas shop and a couple of gifts from BWS and Big W.
For the shop, you can elect to use:
- no bags (free) OR
- reusable plastic bags or paper bags for $1.50 per shop.
I choose paper bags for my big monthly shop and I collect ~10 strong brown bags (15c each).
I decorate these bags using whatever craft supplies I have to create original, strong gift bags:
- I glue a square of brown paper over the Woolworths images.
- I cut a shape out of newspaper or wrap (eg a flower, Christmas tree, Bunny Ears or whatever suits the occasion) and glue it on the bag - plain is nice too.
- I tie up the handles with string, wool or recycled ribbon and tie on a matching gift card.
- And if the gift is delicate I wrap it up in a new t-towel (that I buy in bulk and on sale).
Contributed by Lyn B.
- Neither cost me anything AND
- I love the ease of shopping online whenever it suits me, not trekking the aisles, buying only what I need and having someone place the shopping in my car boot for me.
This year I took advantage of Rewards point offers,
- saved $250, AND
- chose to use it in December to buy the majority of our Christmas shop and a couple of gifts from BWS and Big W.
For the shop, you can elect to use:
- no bags (free) OR
- reusable plastic bags or paper bags for $1.50 per shop.
I choose paper bags for my big monthly shop and I collect ~10 strong brown bags (15c each).
I decorate these bags using whatever craft supplies I have to create original, strong gift bags:
- I glue a square of brown paper over the Woolworths images.
- I cut a shape out of newspaper or wrap (eg a flower, Christmas tree, Bunny Ears or whatever suits the occasion) and glue it on the bag - plain is nice too.
- I tie up the handles with string, wool or recycled ribbon and tie on a matching gift card.
- And if the gift is delicate I wrap it up in a new t-towel (that I buy in bulk and on sale).
Contributed by Lyn B.
Perpetual Gift Bags and Wrapping
At "great" expense I purchased a lovely bright blue gift bag, bright blue wrapping paper and huge gift bow, possibly totalling about $10 from The Reject Shop, to wrap a friends gift. Next it was my husband's birthday, he received a lovely gift wrapped in the blue wrapping, bag and bow, we reuse the bag, wrapping and bow between 2 couples for each birthday and someone receives it at Christmas. We are onto our second year of using the perpetual wrapping, and it is still looking like new. I wonder how many years we can continue this reuse. It also brings a smile to the group as we know we are about to take possession of the perpetual wrapping ready for the next use.
Contributed by Linda Cocks
Contributed by Linda Cocks
Gift Wrapping with a Difference
Last year my daughter asked me to sew her some Christmas gift bags for her children's presents. Simply to save on the amount of Christmas paper they throw in the bin post Christmas. 3 kids adds up to a lot of paper. Seeing the success and fun I had in making them, I am continuing to sew more this year for myself. With the 30 gifts I give to family for birthdays and Christmas (without including friends) and making my own cards/gift tags as well. I am on track to save approximately $50 - $70 annually. If you have no material, start by looking in your linen press for any unused pillow cases, great for kids prints, old tablecloths, usually quite durable material. Start making just square sacks and tie with a ribbon. I like to sew a French seam, no raw edges on inside of bag. As you get more creative, and you will, making perfect sized bags to match your gift, drawstring bags, some with ribbon 🎀 sewed into side seams. Get creative and personalise, use favourite colours, make patchwork bags using up scraps of material. Once you start, you will not stop. Enjoy making the gift that keeps on giving. Yes, pass it on, who knows you may even get your own gift bag back (with a gift).🎁
Contributed by Lynne Adams
Contributed by Lynne Adams
USEFUL GIFT WRAPPING
Wrap gifts in a useful cloth product - a handkerchief, dish cloth, microfiber cleaning cloth, chamois, tea towel, t-shirt or scarf - depending on the size of the gift and the gender of the receiver.
Contributed by Faye Doherty
Contributed by Faye Doherty
Regift, Reuse, Recycle
We keep gift bags and wrapping paper in a large tub for reusing . Often at birthday parties we get enough to use for the whole year and we just reattach a new card. At $5-$10 a pop this is substantial over the year and better for the environment!
Contributed by Nyssa De Waard
Contributed by Nyssa De Waard
Post-Christmas Wrapping Paper
Keep In mind Coles and Woolworths, Kmart, Target and Big W all heavily reduce the wrapping paper, left over Christmas stock and decorations like two weeks after Christmas to make room for the main load of back-to-school stock.
My friend and I went into Coles Balaclava on a Thursday night in early January for basic milk and bread essentials, before I drove him home.
We checked out old Christmas stock and couldn't believe our eyes when we saw wrapping paper heavily reduced from $5 and $3 a roll of 5 metres down to 25c a roll and 25c deluxe pack Christmas cards packs. There was heaps still in boxes so we bought 10 rolls each to store up in the top of our wardrobes. A huge saving to last couple years or more.
So keep your eyes out two weeks into the new year for heavily reduced Christmas stock in supermarkets and discount department stores.
Contributed by Trev Wakefield
My friend and I went into Coles Balaclava on a Thursday night in early January for basic milk and bread essentials, before I drove him home.
We checked out old Christmas stock and couldn't believe our eyes when we saw wrapping paper heavily reduced from $5 and $3 a roll of 5 metres down to 25c a roll and 25c deluxe pack Christmas cards packs. There was heaps still in boxes so we bought 10 rolls each to store up in the top of our wardrobes. A huge saving to last couple years or more.
So keep your eyes out two weeks into the new year for heavily reduced Christmas stock in supermarkets and discount department stores.
Contributed by Trev Wakefield
Really Cheap Greeting Cards and Free Gift Wrapping
Approximate $ Savings: $200
I have never bought gift wrapping. I always keep any wrapping paper from gifts or flowers, and re-use it for future presents (fold and cut off ripped bits). And if I ever run out, I just use newspaper - which can look quite cool with nice ribbon. I also never buy gift cards. I used to use those free postcards you sometimes find in cafes, but now have found a better way! I invested in a stamp set and bought a pad of nice card paper (50 sheets). This investment of about $30 (you could probably get stamps much cheaper) will last me about 2 years, then all I need to do is re-fill the ink pad and get some more card. The cards look semi-professional too! I worked out if I bought cards for the 50 or so gifts I give a year, I would spend well over $200, so this is a substantial saving. Over my lifetime the saving will be huge!
Contributed by Emma
I have never bought gift wrapping. I always keep any wrapping paper from gifts or flowers, and re-use it for future presents (fold and cut off ripped bits). And if I ever run out, I just use newspaper - which can look quite cool with nice ribbon. I also never buy gift cards. I used to use those free postcards you sometimes find in cafes, but now have found a better way! I invested in a stamp set and bought a pad of nice card paper (50 sheets). This investment of about $30 (you could probably get stamps much cheaper) will last me about 2 years, then all I need to do is re-fill the ink pad and get some more card. The cards look semi-professional too! I worked out if I bought cards for the 50 or so gifts I give a year, I would spend well over $200, so this is a substantial saving. Over my lifetime the saving will be huge!
Contributed by Emma
Christmas Wrapping Saving
The first Christmas after my son was born in 1970 and then when our first grandchildren were born, I made them each Santa bags, rather large. I hand painted their names on to the bags, decorated with Christmas braid, ribbons and applique and each year (1970, 1971 etc.) With the grandchildren I made their bags out of material my mother-in-law had, so that made it extra special (as she wasn't with us anymore). So, my Santa bags have saved a lot of money, and wrapping in 48 years. Our children and grandchildren just love opening their Santa bags and love looking at the dates on them. My number one rule.... as soon as the bags are empty, I get them back to reuse next Christmas.... with the new year date painted on them.
Contributed by Irene Wilkinson
Contributed by Irene Wilkinson
Wrapping Paper
At the after Christmas sales I bought a pack of 3 of Christmas paper 5M each roll - I saw one with two Christmas themed and a plain roll still a Christmas colour red with white polka dots I bought 2 or 3 Packets for $2.50 each was already half price. I now have quite a bit of non Christmas paper to use for birthdays, mothers day and Christmas paper ready for next year at 83Cents for a 5M roll I wont run out.
Contributed by Laine Fraser
Contributed by Laine Fraser
MOO Parcel Packaging and Save!
Approximate $ Savings: $6-$10 per parcel Christmas 2012
I had a few pressies I needed to send in the post. Some of my items needed to be boxed, wrapped in satchels etc. Purchasing cardboard packaging and satchels from Australia Post, Office Works or even Big W can become quite costly. I had this idea to save all my boxes i.e. small, medium, large, for any items I had purchased during the year. I also saved plastic fashion bags. I used these cardboard boxes to package my Christmas gift items. I then took my plastic bags (please note these are not like the plastic bags you get at Woolies or Coles but rather the type of bags you get if you shop at Millers, Katies etc.) and turned the bags back to front so the store name/logo didn't show and wrapped them around my cardboard box containing the gift item. I then taped the parcel securely and wrote the address on front. If the inside of the bag was black, I just taped a label on the front and wrote the address so that it could be seen but most of the bags I used were of a light colour. I found that I saved around $6-$10 for each item by providing my own packaging. I only had to pay for the cost of the postage at Australia Post!
Contributed by Margaret Ellis
I had a few pressies I needed to send in the post. Some of my items needed to be boxed, wrapped in satchels etc. Purchasing cardboard packaging and satchels from Australia Post, Office Works or even Big W can become quite costly. I had this idea to save all my boxes i.e. small, medium, large, for any items I had purchased during the year. I also saved plastic fashion bags. I used these cardboard boxes to package my Christmas gift items. I then took my plastic bags (please note these are not like the plastic bags you get at Woolies or Coles but rather the type of bags you get if you shop at Millers, Katies etc.) and turned the bags back to front so the store name/logo didn't show and wrapped them around my cardboard box containing the gift item. I then taped the parcel securely and wrote the address on front. If the inside of the bag was black, I just taped a label on the front and wrote the address so that it could be seen but most of the bags I used were of a light colour. I found that I saved around $6-$10 for each item by providing my own packaging. I only had to pay for the cost of the postage at Australia Post!
Contributed by Margaret Ellis
Greeting Cards Under $3
Approximate $ Savings: $3 each or more
It is hard to find a good looking greeting card for under $5.99 these days. I recently found a solution at my local post office. They have a large range of cards and a stand of very cute cards for $3 each. They also had a bin full of the same brand offering 5 for $10. So for $2 each I stocked up for everyone's birthdays and even a wedding. The brand on the back is Designs by Penelope and the original price looks like $6.50 ( printed on the back) but all on the stand are marked at $3.
Contributed by Christelle Buckschun
It is hard to find a good looking greeting card for under $5.99 these days. I recently found a solution at my local post office. They have a large range of cards and a stand of very cute cards for $3 each. They also had a bin full of the same brand offering 5 for $10. So for $2 each I stocked up for everyone's birthdays and even a wedding. The brand on the back is Designs by Penelope and the original price looks like $6.50 ( printed on the back) but all on the stand are marked at $3.
Contributed by Christelle Buckschun
Cheap Cards and Free Gift Wrapping
I have never bought gift wrapping. I always keep any wrapping paper from gifts or flowers, and re-use it for future presents (fold and cut off ripped bits). And if I ever run out, I just use newspaper - which can look quite cool with nice ribbon. I also never buy gift cards. I used to use those free postcards you sometimes find in cafes, but now have found a better way! I invested in a stamp set and bought a pad of nice card paper (50 sheets). This investment of about $30 (you could probably get stamps much cheaper) will last me about 2 years, then all I need to do is re-fill the ink pad and get some more card. The cards look semi-professional too! I worked out if I bought cards for the 50 or so gifts I give a year, I would spend well over $200, so this is a substantial saving. Over my lifetime the saving will be huge! Contributed by Emma Maslen
Fill in the Blanks in Cards
Approximate $ Savings: $5.00-$6.00 a card
Instead of buying expensive birthday, Mother's or Father's day cards go to the cheap shops e.g. Reject Shop, and buy the cheap blank cards, then Google for birthday wishes. All these phrases come up, you choose the phrase that is relevant to your special person, and write it in the blank card. The person you're sending it to will love the personalised phrase as it comes from the heart. The card cost approximately $1 and you can save anything up to $5.00 or more. That's a lot of cash you're saving for each occasion.
Contributed by Terri Willdin
Instead of buying expensive birthday, Mother's or Father's day cards go to the cheap shops e.g. Reject Shop, and buy the cheap blank cards, then Google for birthday wishes. All these phrases come up, you choose the phrase that is relevant to your special person, and write it in the blank card. The person you're sending it to will love the personalised phrase as it comes from the heart. The card cost approximately $1 and you can save anything up to $5.00 or more. That's a lot of cash you're saving for each occasion.
Contributed by Terri Willdin
Let Retailers Know It's a Gift
I mentioned in passing that a book I was buying was a gift for a friend and the shop assistant offered to gift wrap it for me. This saved me buying gift paper which was the next thing on my list of things to do. I will always add it to my conversation from now on, it saved me time and money.
Contributed by Cheryl Wright
Contributed by Cheryl Wright
Two Colours for All Occasions
Approximate $ Savings: $50
I buy only gold and silver wrapping paper, on the roll. These two colours cover both sexes, and almost every occasion. Limiting myself to these two colours means no more mismatched wrapping paper offcuts.
Contributed by Judy, Coolum
I buy only gold and silver wrapping paper, on the roll. These two colours cover both sexes, and almost every occasion. Limiting myself to these two colours means no more mismatched wrapping paper offcuts.
Contributed by Judy, Coolum
Keep the Kids Busy Making Gift Tags
When Christmas is over and you collect all the Christmas cards you have received cut off the part that people have written on or just cut out the picture from the front and use these next year as gift tags. I also get the kids to collect Christmassy type picture out of all the junk mail that is received during December and cut them out and stick on green, red or white coloured paper to make larger gift tags. The kids have heaps of fun with cutting and pasting and I save money too.
Contributed by Tanja, Mitcham\
Contributed by Tanja, Mitcham\
Interesting Wrapping Paper
Approximate $ Savings: $5 per time
Use newspaper articles or catalogues as wrapping paper. This sounds stingy but if you do it properly then it can be really nice. For example I love boating and fishing so my wife wraps my presents in a collage of boating and fishing articles from the Sunday paper and fishing store catalogues. This can be changed to cater for anyone's particular taste (i.e. golf stories, human interest, car stories and brochures or cooking) and has the added benefit of having that personal touch from you. Just make sure the nice pictures are prominent and not the header.
Contributed by Toby, Seville Grove
Use newspaper articles or catalogues as wrapping paper. This sounds stingy but if you do it properly then it can be really nice. For example I love boating and fishing so my wife wraps my presents in a collage of boating and fishing articles from the Sunday paper and fishing store catalogues. This can be changed to cater for anyone's particular taste (i.e. golf stories, human interest, car stories and brochures or cooking) and has the added benefit of having that personal touch from you. Just make sure the nice pictures are prominent and not the header.
Contributed by Toby, Seville Grove
A Comical Christmas
Approximate $ Savings: $70
Christmas is a time of great expense and presents especially can be a burden on the budget. Though we have no children of our own, by the time I have purchased presents for the kids in our extended family, along with wrapping and cards, I have spent a small fortune. I am always looking for ways to cut costs without feeling guilty. This Christmas I made a change which proved to be money saving and entertaining. I wrapped all the kids' Christmas presents this year in the comic pages of the Sunday paper which I had previously purchased only for the TV program. There was no need for cards, an expense I usually incur grudgingly – they all knew exactly who the groovy looking gifts were from. The kids (and older kids as well) were engrossed in comparing comics for most of the morning and they all took home their wrappings as well as their presents which made for a lot less mess for me to clean up at the end of the day. It was great to find another use for the Sunday paper, something I often consider an indulgence and even better to put the $70 saved on wrapping paper and cards towards our mortgage. The comic wrapping paper was so popular, I may just extend it to birthday presents.
Contributed by Kerrie, Bradbury
Christmas is a time of great expense and presents especially can be a burden on the budget. Though we have no children of our own, by the time I have purchased presents for the kids in our extended family, along with wrapping and cards, I have spent a small fortune. I am always looking for ways to cut costs without feeling guilty. This Christmas I made a change which proved to be money saving and entertaining. I wrapped all the kids' Christmas presents this year in the comic pages of the Sunday paper which I had previously purchased only for the TV program. There was no need for cards, an expense I usually incur grudgingly – they all knew exactly who the groovy looking gifts were from. The kids (and older kids as well) were engrossed in comparing comics for most of the morning and they all took home their wrappings as well as their presents which made for a lot less mess for me to clean up at the end of the day. It was great to find another use for the Sunday paper, something I often consider an indulgence and even better to put the $70 saved on wrapping paper and cards towards our mortgage. The comic wrapping paper was so popular, I may just extend it to birthday presents.
Contributed by Kerrie, Bradbury
Stick to Plain Colours
I buy on sale Christmas paper at the Christmas sales, however I find if I buy silver and gold paper I can use it for all occasions, not just for Christmas.
Contributed by Lisa, Mayfield
Contributed by Lisa, Mayfield
Gift Wrap Savings
Approximate $ Savings: $335
I thought of a savings for gift wrapping - I bought a massive roll of thick brown paper from a stationery supplier through work and it cost me less than $90 for 340m - which works out to be 26c per metre. Wrapping paper from a $2shop can be about $5.00 for 4m which equals $1.25 per meter. Which means a savings of $335. PLUS you also save on gift cards, because its plain brown paper you can write your message on the present (no one keeps cards anymore), so with the savings on gift cards, you can buy a array of nice ribbons to jazz up each present if you want (craft stores or $2 shops have cheap rolls for a lot less than other stores).
Contributed by Annie, Mornington
I thought of a savings for gift wrapping - I bought a massive roll of thick brown paper from a stationery supplier through work and it cost me less than $90 for 340m - which works out to be 26c per metre. Wrapping paper from a $2shop can be about $5.00 for 4m which equals $1.25 per meter. Which means a savings of $335. PLUS you also save on gift cards, because its plain brown paper you can write your message on the present (no one keeps cards anymore), so with the savings on gift cards, you can buy a array of nice ribbons to jazz up each present if you want (craft stores or $2 shops have cheap rolls for a lot less than other stores).
Contributed by Annie, Mornington
Easy Wrapping with Oven Bags
Approximate $ Savings: $5-$7
I have discovered oven bags for gift wrapping. I recently gave mugs with Minties and chocolates to teachers for Christmas. To buy cellophane by the sheet is a dollar or more. A generic brand of oven bags costs under $3 for a pack of 10. For a much cheaper price I was able to wrap the mug filled with goodies and tie it with curling ribbon. It was easier to put together than juggling four corners of cellophane and looks great. This would work well for any combination pack gift you want to put together. What about a bag full of baking goodies with a recipe! A selection of toiletries or stationery, bagged up and tied with inexpensive ribbon. Once you start, the possibilities are endless.
Contributed by Julie, Mt Riverview
I have discovered oven bags for gift wrapping. I recently gave mugs with Minties and chocolates to teachers for Christmas. To buy cellophane by the sheet is a dollar or more. A generic brand of oven bags costs under $3 for a pack of 10. For a much cheaper price I was able to wrap the mug filled with goodies and tie it with curling ribbon. It was easier to put together than juggling four corners of cellophane and looks great. This would work well for any combination pack gift you want to put together. What about a bag full of baking goodies with a recipe! A selection of toiletries or stationery, bagged up and tied with inexpensive ribbon. Once you start, the possibilities are endless.
Contributed by Julie, Mt Riverview
Beautifully Wrapped Gifts with Amazing, Cheap Bows
Approximate $ Savings: $50
I love Christmas, and I love have beautifully wrapped Christmas presents; I have always bought ribbon to wrap my Christmas gifts in a traditional style, visiting numerous $2 shops etc to stock up on ribbon and every year I have a different theme. Last year however, I noticed that number of metres of ribbon per roll had dropped significantly, with rolls of only 1-2 metres costing a minimum of $2 each- that length would have only done one, maybe two gifts and with a very large extended family, it was fast adding up- what was I going to do? Then it came to me, crepe paper streamers. You can buy these in all different colours, I bought purple as we were having a purple and silver theme that year, and with four streamers each 25m long in a packet for $2 (from my local $2 shop) I only need 1 packet! I added in a roll of silver curling ribbon (90m at $2) to help tie it all together. I put the streamer around each gift in a cross fashion and fixed with sticky tape, and then cut 6 10cm strips of crepe paper, laid them on top of each other and tied them in the middle with curling ribbon, fanned out the crepe paper and hey presto- a bow. I fixed this to the gift with a little for curling ribbon and the gift was done. They purple colour really jumped out, and all the family commented on how great the gifts looked. I managed to keep up my Christmas traditions, and saved a fortune.
Contributed by Shea, Croydon
I love Christmas, and I love have beautifully wrapped Christmas presents; I have always bought ribbon to wrap my Christmas gifts in a traditional style, visiting numerous $2 shops etc to stock up on ribbon and every year I have a different theme. Last year however, I noticed that number of metres of ribbon per roll had dropped significantly, with rolls of only 1-2 metres costing a minimum of $2 each- that length would have only done one, maybe two gifts and with a very large extended family, it was fast adding up- what was I going to do? Then it came to me, crepe paper streamers. You can buy these in all different colours, I bought purple as we were having a purple and silver theme that year, and with four streamers each 25m long in a packet for $2 (from my local $2 shop) I only need 1 packet! I added in a roll of silver curling ribbon (90m at $2) to help tie it all together. I put the streamer around each gift in a cross fashion and fixed with sticky tape, and then cut 6 10cm strips of crepe paper, laid them on top of each other and tied them in the middle with curling ribbon, fanned out the crepe paper and hey presto- a bow. I fixed this to the gift with a little for curling ribbon and the gift was done. They purple colour really jumped out, and all the family commented on how great the gifts looked. I managed to keep up my Christmas traditions, and saved a fortune.
Contributed by Shea, Croydon
Wrap It Up
A cheaper alternative to wrapping very large presents is to buy a plastic tablecloth from The Reject shop or $2 shop. Cut it to size.
Contributed by Cheryl, Sunbury
Contributed by Cheryl, Sunbury
Wrap in Comfort
At this time of year, when you have a never ending pile of presents to wrap and label, don't sit on the floor and give yourself an aching back and pins and needles. Get out your ironing board and sit in a comfortable chair and use it as a wrapping table. You can adjust the ironing board to a comfortable height. It will hold your tools and give you a nice surface to work on.
Contributed by Micky, Donvale
Contributed by Micky, Donvale
Quick Wrap Options
If you are after a quick gift wrapping option, try oven bags. Those large oven roasting bags make great basket wrapping for medium sized gift baskets. They are also great for odd shaped gifts and even bottles. They are often on sale this time of year and the generic brands are very inexpensive – just 17 cents each! They have a great cellophane look and they make it easier to achieve a neat appearance for your basket. Just gather the top to tie with curly ribbons and tape the bag corners under the bottom of your basket, bottle or odd shaped gift!
Durable Wrapping
Instead of buying wrapping paper, I buy tea towels (usually in packs) which are cheaper and wrap the Christmas gifts in them. The added benefit of an extra gift plus no paper to put in the rubbish goes down well with everyone. Reject and $2 shops usually have a colourful selection of tea towels.
Contributed by Betty, Brentwood
Contributed by Betty, Brentwood
Environmentally Friendly and Fun Gift Wrap
A Christmas (and birthday) tip which saves not only money, but time and the environment. My primary-aged kids are very environmentally conscious and when I recently "wrapped" a very large and awkwardly shaped birthday present in a doona cover, they loved the idea. Since then, all our family birthday presents have been similarly wrapped in either pillowcases for smaller items or doonas for the big things. The kids' bed linen is bright and colourful, so it still looks pretty and fun. Even with tiny gifts, we called it a birthday lucky dip with the birthday girl shutting her eyes and dipping to get her presents out of her present "sack". I can't begin to imagine how much money we will save over the years doing this, as well as tedious wrapping time and we all get the bonus of feeling good about being environmentally responsible! :)
Contributed by Sue, North Fitzroy
Contributed by Sue, North Fitzroy
Pretty Papers for Less
I never buy new tissue paper to use with gift wrapping for birthdays or holidays. I always reuse what I get in my own family's gifts. That printed tissue can be expensive, so why buy it? I just iron it! I smooth the wrinkles from each sheet and stack them in a pile (any with holes or tears are used for packing items that need to be mailed). After I'm done ironing any clothes, I just run the iron over my stack of tissue paper. I do about ten or so sheets and turn the whole stack over and do the other side. They may not look totally fresh out of the package, but I get one more use out of them, which helps my wallet and our environment. I use a medium setting, and this has never harmed my iron, or transferred any colour from the tissue to my clothes. I also re-use any wrapping paper we get, using the same method. I just run the iron over it and carefully fold it into four. I have a stack of lovely gift wraps in my wrapping drawer and best of all they are in a variety of sizes.
Contributed by Catherine, North Bayswater
Contributed by Catherine, North Bayswater
Original Wrapping Paper
My daughter started kinder this year and started bringing home a mass of paintings. I'd display them each week but then felt really guilty throwing them out to make room for the next lot. So I started using them as wrapping paper. Now there are four great benefits from my daughters paintings - 1)I get to view her lovely work. 2)Family and friends get some great unique wrapping paper. 3)Reusing material is good for the environment. 4)I SAVE MONEY by not buying wrapping paper in the store AND I save time by not having to travel to the store to purchase it (I have a stash right in my own home).
Contributed by Lisa, Gisborne
Contributed by Lisa, Gisborne
Stamped
Approximate $ Savings: $50+ a year
Take another look at your mail - the post office regularly fails to postmark stamps on your letters delivered to you. Just peel off the still-sticky stamps or soak off the harder ones and dry on your counter top: glue them on to your letters and viola! I haven't paid for stamps for years. My favourite: a legal secretary friend who collected them from work for a little boy she knew. I thought she was on to my tip also, but then we realised she had about 200 useable stamps in her collection! (I don't know that the little boy got that many in the end!).
Contributed by Laurel, Prahran\
Editors Note This tip raises the question about ethical Cheapskating. Postage stamps are meant, and paid, to be a single use item. Cath
Take another look at your mail - the post office regularly fails to postmark stamps on your letters delivered to you. Just peel off the still-sticky stamps or soak off the harder ones and dry on your counter top: glue them on to your letters and viola! I haven't paid for stamps for years. My favourite: a legal secretary friend who collected them from work for a little boy she knew. I thought she was on to my tip also, but then we realised she had about 200 useable stamps in her collection! (I don't know that the little boy got that many in the end!).
Contributed by Laurel, Prahran\
Editors Note This tip raises the question about ethical Cheapskating. Postage stamps are meant, and paid, to be a single use item. Cath
Post Bags Free of Charge
Approximate $ Savings: up to $5 per parcel
Whenever I used to post a parcel overseas or inland, I would always buy a Post Shop parcel bag in whichever size the parcel needed to be posted in. These can usually be bought with postage included and they're waterproof etc. However, I received a parcel from my mum in Scotland a while back and she had used a good quality department store plastic bag, turned it inside out and used that instead!! I was amazed I hadn't thought of it myself! Once it's inside out, you can't really see the advertising from the inside and it's easy to either write on, or print on a label. It's also waterproof! I do this all the time now and depending on the size of parcel, I would definitely save around $5 each time I need to post one. With Christmas coming and all my rellies in the UK, I'll save myself a pretty penny (especially when I get organised early and post them all 'economy' instead of airmail!! ) Why pay for pre printed bags from the Post Shop when you can recycle those thicker store bags yourself!!
Contributed by Liza, Te Kuiti
Whenever I used to post a parcel overseas or inland, I would always buy a Post Shop parcel bag in whichever size the parcel needed to be posted in. These can usually be bought with postage included and they're waterproof etc. However, I received a parcel from my mum in Scotland a while back and she had used a good quality department store plastic bag, turned it inside out and used that instead!! I was amazed I hadn't thought of it myself! Once it's inside out, you can't really see the advertising from the inside and it's easy to either write on, or print on a label. It's also waterproof! I do this all the time now and depending on the size of parcel, I would definitely save around $5 each time I need to post one. With Christmas coming and all my rellies in the UK, I'll save myself a pretty penny (especially when I get organised early and post them all 'economy' instead of airmail!! ) Why pay for pre printed bags from the Post Shop when you can recycle those thicker store bags yourself!!
Contributed by Liza, Te Kuiti
Wrapping Paper & Card Savings
Approximate $ Savings: $190+
I set a budget for all the presents I buy for birthdays and Christmas, but I found the cost of wrapping paper and cards can really add up. I also have 4 young kids who (particularly in their kinder year) bring home so many paintings on butcher paper. Rather than just throw away most of these away, I now use them for wrapping paper, not only is it free but relatives think it is lovely and I save $1 to $2 per present. I also bought a pad of 100 A5 coloured pages for $2 at a discount shop, which I fold in half for the kids to make cards (costing 2c per card, saving about $4 per card). These are also very novel and unique! If I use these only for my family, one for each birthday and Christmas present, I have saved $190 each year!
Contributed by Kathryn, Belgrave
I set a budget for all the presents I buy for birthdays and Christmas, but I found the cost of wrapping paper and cards can really add up. I also have 4 young kids who (particularly in their kinder year) bring home so many paintings on butcher paper. Rather than just throw away most of these away, I now use them for wrapping paper, not only is it free but relatives think it is lovely and I save $1 to $2 per present. I also bought a pad of 100 A5 coloured pages for $2 at a discount shop, which I fold in half for the kids to make cards (costing 2c per card, saving about $4 per card). These are also very novel and unique! If I use these only for my family, one for each birthday and Christmas present, I have saved $190 each year!
Contributed by Kathryn, Belgrave
Original Gift Wrap
Approximate $ Savings: about $20 per year
When my children were little, and I wasn't working, money was very tight. At Christmas time I would buy end rolls from a newspaper business and we would make our own Christmas paper. One year we used watered down paint in a spray bottle, stood back and sprayed (we hung the paper on the fence) Very effective! Another year we sponged different shapes and another time the kids drew Christmas shapes. Everybody loved their novelty, one-of-a-kind paper and kids got a kick out of it too.
Contributed by Debbie, New Beith
When my children were little, and I wasn't working, money was very tight. At Christmas time I would buy end rolls from a newspaper business and we would make our own Christmas paper. One year we used watered down paint in a spray bottle, stood back and sprayed (we hung the paper on the fence) Very effective! Another year we sponged different shapes and another time the kids drew Christmas shapes. Everybody loved their novelty, one-of-a-kind paper and kids got a kick out of it too.
Contributed by Debbie, New Beith
Saving on the Cost of Parcel Packaging
Approximate $ Savings: $128-$192
My partner is in the Defence force and is on operation for the next 8 months. I send 2-3 care packages per week (under 2kg is free postage). To purchase the BM Parcel from the post office costs $2 each so I use the paper ream boxes from work instead which saves me $4-$6 per week in postage boxes. That's a saving of $128-$192 over the 8 months!!!
Contributed by BD, Queensland
My partner is in the Defence force and is on operation for the next 8 months. I send 2-3 care packages per week (under 2kg is free postage). To purchase the BM Parcel from the post office costs $2 each so I use the paper ream boxes from work instead which saves me $4-$6 per week in postage boxes. That's a saving of $128-$192 over the 8 months!!!
Contributed by BD, Queensland
Recycle Parcel Packaging
Approximate $ Savings: $2 - $10
Every time I get a parcel, either in a bag or box, I keep the bag or box. As all my rellies live interstate that can add up during the year to quite a few in all shapes and sizes. When I need to send something I choose the size I want. I buy a packet of cheap stick-on labels to cover over my address and sender on back then re-address. This can add up as a saving especially at Christmas time. Every little bit helps!
Contributed by Laurie-Anne, Queensland
Every time I get a parcel, either in a bag or box, I keep the bag or box. As all my rellies live interstate that can add up during the year to quite a few in all shapes and sizes. When I need to send something I choose the size I want. I buy a packet of cheap stick-on labels to cover over my address and sender on back then re-address. This can add up as a saving especially at Christmas time. Every little bit helps!
Contributed by Laurie-Anne, Queensland
Christmas Wrapping
For Christmas each year, I use newspaper as a wrapping paper. I spend the money I save on buying ribbon to make into bows to make the paper look Christmassy. I have recycled and saved money at the same time.
Contributed by Lesley, Noble Park
Contributed by Lesley, Noble Park
Creative Find for Bargain Wrapping Papers
Approximate $ Savings: $20 upwards
While it may be too late this year to find the bargain I got, keep it in mind as school goes back in January. Once the back to school sales were over, The Warehouse (also known as Sam's Warehouse) and other cheapy shops will start to reduce their back to school supplies. In February/March this year I picked up 5 rolls of plain brown wrapping paper (meant for covering school books). Each roll is 10 metres long and 37.5cm wide and cost me only 50 cents! I picked up reduced Christmas ribbon for 50 cents a roll at the January clearances this year too so I have enough wrapping paper and ribbon for all of my Christmas presents for around $5 and I can't wait to see how nice all the matching wrapped gifts will look under the tree. Best of all, the brown wrapping paper was recycled too, and when it is finished with this year I will be keeping it for kids craft projects etc.
Contributed by Lucinda, Inala
While it may be too late this year to find the bargain I got, keep it in mind as school goes back in January. Once the back to school sales were over, The Warehouse (also known as Sam's Warehouse) and other cheapy shops will start to reduce their back to school supplies. In February/March this year I picked up 5 rolls of plain brown wrapping paper (meant for covering school books). Each roll is 10 metres long and 37.5cm wide and cost me only 50 cents! I picked up reduced Christmas ribbon for 50 cents a roll at the January clearances this year too so I have enough wrapping paper and ribbon for all of my Christmas presents for around $5 and I can't wait to see how nice all the matching wrapped gifts will look under the tree. Best of all, the brown wrapping paper was recycled too, and when it is finished with this year I will be keeping it for kids craft projects etc.
Contributed by Lucinda, Inala
Saving on Gift Tags
When you receive cards i.e. Christmas or birthday, cut the fronts off and they then can be used again for a gift tag. I always recycle our Christmas cards every year and since I have been married (12 years) I never have had to buy gift tags. A massive saving!!!
Contributed by Bronwynne, Wallsend
Contributed by Bronwynne, Wallsend
Bagging Up the Wrapping Problem
Approximate $ Savings: $25 per year
Instead of using wrapping paper for presents, I have started to buy the shopping bags on sale at supermarkets when they are reduced e.g. children's movies/football teams or even just a plain pink or blue bag. I can usually get a bag for 50c, and already have the 8 bags I need for this Christmas for $4. It also helps the environment, just think of all that wasted paper you used last year, and the recipient can use the bag again and again for shopping sport or whatever.
Contributed by Margaret, Airport West
Instead of using wrapping paper for presents, I have started to buy the shopping bags on sale at supermarkets when they are reduced e.g. children's movies/football teams or even just a plain pink or blue bag. I can usually get a bag for 50c, and already have the 8 bags I need for this Christmas for $4. It also helps the environment, just think of all that wasted paper you used last year, and the recipient can use the bag again and again for shopping sport or whatever.
Contributed by Margaret, Airport West
Wrapped and Ready for Less
Approximate $ Savings: $300
I have lots of presents to wrap during the year, and then a lot at Christmas time. I like presents to look special but good quality paper and designs can be expensive. I worked out that I was paying around $360 per year. Now I purchase a roll of beautifully coloured paper in bulk from The Wrapping Company for $38 (or less when on special) for 60 metres. I choose a generic style and colour that will suit most occasions including Christmas. This gets me through the year. You can also buy belti bands to change the theme or look for a little extra cost. They sell bulk gift tags and bulk ribbon. You will have to pay a delivery fee but it is not much. Go to www.wrapco.com.au.
Contributed by Tracey, Woongarrah
I have lots of presents to wrap during the year, and then a lot at Christmas time. I like presents to look special but good quality paper and designs can be expensive. I worked out that I was paying around $360 per year. Now I purchase a roll of beautifully coloured paper in bulk from The Wrapping Company for $38 (or less when on special) for 60 metres. I choose a generic style and colour that will suit most occasions including Christmas. This gets me through the year. You can also buy belti bands to change the theme or look for a little extra cost. They sell bulk gift tags and bulk ribbon. You will have to pay a delivery fee but it is not much. Go to www.wrapco.com.au.
Contributed by Tracey, Woongarrah
Unique Gift Tags
Re-use your Christmas cards as name tags. Just cut the front off the card, sticky tape it on the present and write on the name of the person on the back. This costs nothing and is a great way to recycle.
Contributed by Joanne, Greenacres
Contributed by Joanne, Greenacres
Wrapping Saver Ideas
Approximate $ Savings: $30
As a real saver with wrapping presents I save even more than the books suggestion of bargain shop paper. Rather, at large Coles super markets each year, very early in the season (to get more choice) I buy plain print(stripes/silver) bulk rolls of wrapping paper at Christmas for just $2.35 each for 6 metres! For birthdays and other occasions I just add a bit of detail with stickers, ribbon, raffia (bought at Lincraft) etc. I do the same for cards I recycle her paintings gluing bright sections onto cheap card or just printer paper.
Contributed by Susan, Allambie
As a real saver with wrapping presents I save even more than the books suggestion of bargain shop paper. Rather, at large Coles super markets each year, very early in the season (to get more choice) I buy plain print(stripes/silver) bulk rolls of wrapping paper at Christmas for just $2.35 each for 6 metres! For birthdays and other occasions I just add a bit of detail with stickers, ribbon, raffia (bought at Lincraft) etc. I do the same for cards I recycle her paintings gluing bright sections onto cheap card or just printer paper.
Contributed by Susan, Allambie
Free But New Wrapping Paper
Fresh flowers are still a weekly luxury, despite my frugal budget - cheap and cheerful - jonquils are a favourite. Next time the florist asks "are they for a present?" before they wrap them in their nice paper, answer by asking "yes, but can you roll up the paper and I'll take it away". Of course be friendly and polite. I once bought some flowers for a friend, but was giving them that night, so needed to put them in water meanwhile. I didn't want to spoil the lovely paper and the florist offered to roll it up so I could wrap and present the flowers myself later. Yes the flowers are for a gift - for you - as is the paper, just not these flowers. The florist is giving away the paper anyway and you won't be throwing away (or recycling) unnecessary paper. You could get ribbon too. And, you'll be giving your presents in fresh paper, not recycled. Wrapping paper is at least $2, often more, so over 52 weeks/a year, you'll save over $100 and build yourself up a wrapping paper bank for Christmas. Wonderful for those kids' presents too.
Contributed by Di, West Footscray
Contributed by Di, West Footscray
Recycle Wrapping Paper With Memories
When a family member had a baby I noticed all the pretty papers her flowers came in. I asked her if I could keep them once she was finished with them. I use these to wrap gifts, for papercrafts etc. Nice way to recycle as well.
Contributed by Tanya, Sydenham
Contributed by Tanya, Sydenham
Coloured Shredding Makes Great Packaging
To save money and recycle at the same time I save all my wrapping paper and shred it into strips. I then use the shredded wrapping paper as a filler in gift bags, boxes even for postage. It adds a lovely festive cheer, is light weight, protects delicate items, simple and helps reuse paper.
Contributed by Sandra, Hervey Bay
Contributed by Sandra, Hervey Bay
Plain Wrapping With Class
Always keep a roll of brown paper on hand for gift wrapping. With colourful bows it looks very classy and is good for any occasion eg pink or blue ribbons for a baby or red, green and gold etc for Christmas. Also if you keep scraps and ends of other wrapping paper you can cut out shapes, pictures or bands from the scrap and paste it onto the brown paper. It looks great especially if you have another gift wrapped in the original paper - a coordinated look.
Contributed by Leonie, Watson
Contributed by Leonie, Watson
No Sticky Tape Gift Wrapping
Christmas is coming and with it, presents and wrapping. Instead of using tape to seal your gift wrap, keep a glue stick handy for sealing packages. Costs less, dries fast and gives your gifts that professional no-tape look.
Contributed by Cath Armstrong
Contributed by Cath Armstrong
Gift Wrap
I no longer buy gift wrap but make my own by ironing 2 sheets of waxed paper together. In the middle I shave crayons or collect small leaves, flowers etc to make attractive patterns. The crayons melt and the flowers and leaves remain slightly different colours. Iron with hot iron to melt wax.
Contributed by Joy, Palm Beach
Contributed by Joy, Palm Beach
Post Satchels
When posting parcels it isn't necessarily cheaper to pack things into the box parcel to send. Australia Post has satchels that vary in size and weight capacity that can be sent, including the postage price, to any destination in Australia. For example I went to post a small box size parcel to a friend in South Australia from Perth. It was going to cost $17.80 - by using a satchel, as the goods were not fragile, the cost was $9.00 and that was including the satchel and for Express Post!! Check out your local GPO for an up to date guide on parcel postage and what's available. Save on postage for birthdays and Christmas by doing this.
Contributed by Nicole
Contributed by Nicole
Online Shopping v Parcel Post
If you have to send birthday or Christmas presents interstate, check out the prices of online shopping sites. The advantages include: 1) Often lower freight charges than the postage you would pay. 2) Some offer free gift wrapping. 3) They have specials which regular shops can't beat because of the lower online overheads 4) You don't waste petrol and wear and tear on your vehicle driving to the shops and post office 5) You can shop any time of the day or night 6) They usually guarantee delivery before Christmas. 7) They usually have a free newsletter which emails you about their latest specials. I bought almost all my Christmas presents from Peters of Kensington www.petersofkensington.com.au which I found through ninemsn shopping. The gifts were beautifully wrapped (including fabric ribbon) and excellent prices.
Contributed by Jennifer
Contributed by Jennifer